Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas 

Sweat Pea is one of the many incredible plants for cutting. They offer irresistible fragrance and color for early summer and spring bouquets. The sweet pea plant produces delicate and beautiful flowers that come in a wide range of shades such as blue, pastels, and bi-colours. The flowers exude grapelike scent into the air. Sweat peas are often grown for their lovely ruffled flowers.

About Sweet Pea 

Sweet pea is an annual plant that belongs to the pea family of the Fabaceae. This plant is widely cultivated for its fragrant and beautiful flowers. Hundreds of varieties have been developed, grown, and cultivated as garden ornamentals. Their varieties are also commercially grown for the floral industry. Sweat pea is native to the Aegean Islands and southern Italy. They can grow up to one to two meters tall. 

Scientific Name 

Sweat pea’s scientific name is Lathyrus odoratus, a bushy climbing plant featuring very fragrant flowers. The term “odoratu means fragrant. The flowers are on winged stem clad with medium to dark green leaflets. 

Origin and History 

The history of sweet pea can be traced to Sicily and Southern Italy, where these plants are known to grow wild. Its simple but attractive blooms and sweet aroma delighted a monk in Sicily. To his delight, he sent sweet pea seeds to botanical institutions and plant collectors worldwide, including to some English growers. 

Symbolism and Meaning

In the flower language, sweet pea symbolizes blissful pleasure. The plant’s clumping and upright bloom clusters also mean kindness, friendship, and good wishes. To some extent, the flowers also symbolize goodbyes. 

How to Take Care of Sweet Pea  

Sweet peas need proper support to grow and produce flowers. The plant needs structures that are properly anchored in the ground. These are necessary to support the vine’s weight. Adding compost upon planting sweet pea is suggested since this plant prefers nutrient-rich soil. If the plant grows about 6 inches in height, pinching the growing tips around one inch helps it branch out and produce more flowering stems.